“ I'm afraid there are moments in life when even Schubert has nothing to say to us. We must admit, however, that they are our worst. ”
Henry James, The Portrait of a Lady (1881). copy citation
| Author | Henry James |
|---|---|
| Source | The Portrait of a Lady |
| Topic | life music trouble |
| Date | 1881 |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | |
| Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/files/2833/2833-h/2833-h.htm |
Context
“And this supposition made the visitor more interesting to our speculative heroine. «I hope my uncle's doing well,» Isabel added. «I should think that to hear such lovely music as that would really make him feel better.»
The lady smiled and discriminated. «I'm afraid there are moments in life when even Schubert has nothing to say to us. We must admit, however, that they are our worst.»
«I'm not in that state now then,» said Isabel. «On the contrary I should be so glad if you would play something more.»
«If it will give you pleasure—delighted.» And this obliging person took her place again and struck a few chords, while Isabel sat down nearer the instrument.” source
The lady smiled and discriminated. «I'm afraid there are moments in life when even Schubert has nothing to say to us. We must admit, however, that they are our worst.»
«I'm not in that state now then,» said Isabel. «On the contrary I should be so glad if you would play something more.»
«If it will give you pleasure—delighted.» And this obliging person took her place again and struck a few chords, while Isabel sat down nearer the instrument.” source
Meaning and analysis
